Renewable Choices: International Markets

The next installment of “Renewable Choices” — a series on turning clean energy into business advantages. On today’s docket? International markets for renewable energy.

Also, check out the recent primer on power purchase agreements (PPAs) and energy attribute certificates (EACs). And stay tuned for next month’s post on the value of green building and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

What are international renewable energy markets for C&I buyers?

Renewable energy markets have developed internationally as a result of globalization, market volatility, climate action demands and updates to the Scope 2 Guidance from the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. As it has become increasingly important for commercial and industrial buyers to source global products from the same geographic grid region where their electricity is consumed, markets worldwide have responded with credible PPAs, EACs and carbon offsets.

Where are international renewable energy markets developing?

International renewable energy markets are developing all over the world. Mexico and India are on the forefront of emerging markets, for example, thanks to ambitious federal targets and available incentives. Opportunity is also growing across Europe, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia, Brazil and Turkey.

What clean technologies are available in international markets?

Credible sources of PPAs and EACs are available across the globe. Examples of international EACs include guarantees of origin (GOs) in Europe, clean energy certificates (CELs) in Mexico, and international renewable energy certificates (I-RECs) in Latin America and Asia.

GoldPower® and GreenPower® are other reliable clean technologies, and tradeable instruments for global renewables (TIGRs) have emerged in Singapore. Carbon offsets can be sourced from projects on every continent.